The Rt Hon Greg Hands
Greg Hands’ own education provided a strong foundation for a distinguished career in politics. Born in America to British parents, he first went to school in New York before moving back to the UK with his family when he was seven years old. He later attended Cambridge University, studying Modern History, German, Czech and Slovak. His commitment to the country was evident even then, as he also attended Charles University and, in the summer of 1989, organised a university exchange scheme between Cambridge and Charles University. This academic background has contributed to his understanding of national and international affairs. After Cambridge, he embarked on a career in Finance, and worked on trading floors in London and New York.
He has had a long-standing involvement with the English College and was a Governor of the ECP from 2009 to 2015, before standing down to concentrate on his work as a UK Member of Parliament and Government Minister. Throughout his parliamentary career, he held numerous ministerial roles across various departments, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Minister of State for Trade Policy, and Minister of State for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change. He also served as Chairman of the Conservative Party. These roles provided him with extensive experience in economic policy, international relations and strategic leadership.
Greg has also had a long-standing association with Central Europe. He speaks German, French and Czech, which is a testament to this connection and his appreciation for the rich culture and history of the area. He is a frequent visitor to Prague as a speaker at CEVRO and GlobSec, further cementing his ties to the Czech Republic. He is also a patron of the Czech National Trust and of the Friends of Czech Historic Buildings, highlighting his interest in preserving the country’s heritage. In June 2025, he took on a new role, becoming a Strategic Adviser to Daniel Křetínský and the EP Group, based in London and Prague, focusing principally on the EP Group’s operations in Germany and the UK.
Greg’s personal links to the Czech Republic, combined with his extensive political and governmental experience, makes him a valuable addition to ECP’s Governing Body. He hopes to be able to use this experience in public service, his understanding of international affairs and his strong ties to the region to support the College’s mission. He is particularly keen to contribute to the College’s strategic development, enhance its connections within both the UK and Czech Republic, and help further its reputation as a leading academic school.